Give Our Kids a Chance
Today is the last common topic of the month - "What I Wish People Would Understand About Down Syndrome". The goal is to express the one most important thing that I want people understand about Down Syndrome.
It's nearly impossible for me to pinpoint one idea that I want people to take away from reading my blog this month. Everything I have written has been chosen with the intention of giving the outside world a glimpse into life with Down syndrome. If I have done my job, people will have a greater understanding of the joys, challenges, and normalcy that accompanies the parenting of a child with Down Syndrome, and will think, "hey, it's not so bad!"
If I can leave you with one resounding message though, it's to give Down Syndrome a chance. Somewhere, right now, a mother is learning that her child has Down Syndrome, and is about to embark on a journey that she is not prepared for. Instead of pitying that mother for what she has lost, rejoice in the arrival of a new human life. Rather than thinking or saying that you are sorry for her, dare to imagine everything that she is about to gain. Down Syndrome is not a death sentence; it's not even a tragedy. Down Syndrome is a beautiful variation of human nature, and is entirely deserving of celebration.
Undoubtedly, you will cross paths with an individual who has Down Syndrome at some point in your near future. Rather than allowing ingrained stereotypes to cloud your perception of that person, step outside your comfort zone and attempt to see the person beyond the diagnosis. Take notice of the qualities that define his/her personality. Admire the unique strengths that he/she possesses, and allow that person to show you who he/she really is. And maybe, just maybe, you will be surprised at the knowledge you gain.
Give our children a chance. Allow this generation of individuals with Down Syndrome to write their own futures. Take down the barriers of perception and expectation, and let them show us what they are truly capable of. We will never know, until they try.
Undoubtedly, you will cross paths with an individual who has Down Syndrome at some point in your near future. Rather than allowing ingrained stereotypes to cloud your perception of that person, step outside your comfort zone and attempt to see the person beyond the diagnosis. Take notice of the qualities that define his/her personality. Admire the unique strengths that he/she possesses, and allow that person to show you who he/she really is. And maybe, just maybe, you will be surprised at the knowledge you gain.
Give our children a chance. Allow this generation of individuals with Down Syndrome to write their own futures. Take down the barriers of perception and expectation, and let them show us what they are truly capable of. We will never know, until they try.
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